US President Donald Trump has sharply warned Iran’s leadership against using force on peaceful protesters. He said the United States would intervene if authorities resorted to violence.
In a brief post on his Truth Social platform, Trump cautioned Iranian officials against lethal crackdowns. He added that the US was “locked and loaded and ready to go.” However, he did not outline any specific actions.
Tehran issues swift response
Soon after, Tehran responded to Trump’s remarks. Ali Larijani, a senior adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said any US involvement would have serious consequences. According to him, foreign interference would destabilize the Middle East. He also warned it would harm American interests across the region.
Deaths reported amid nationwide unrest
Meanwhile, protests have continued across Iran amid worsening economic conditions. Iranian media and human rights groups reported at least six deaths on Thursday, marking the fifth day of demonstrations.
Security forces and protesters clashed in the southwestern city of Lordegan, killing two people. In addition, authorities reported deaths in the western cities of Azna and Kouhdasht. State-linked outlets did not clarify whether the victims were protesters or security personnel.
However, a Kurdish human rights organization said the two people killed in Lordegan were demonstrators. The group also released their names. Independent verification of these deaths remains limited.
Unrest spreads across multiple cities
At the same time, videos shared online showed burning vehicles and violent confrontations in several cities. Authorities and independent observers confirmed protests in Tehran and parts of southern Iran.
Earlier in the week, Iranian officials also reported the death of a member of the security forces. As a result, concerns about rising instability have grown.
Tensions rise amid recent US-Iran clashes
Trump’s warning comes against the backdrop of recent hostilities between Washington and Tehran. In June, the US carried out air strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities under Trump’s orders. US officials later said the strikes delayed Iran’s nuclear program. Iran has rejected that claim.
In response, Iran launched missiles at a major US military base in Qatar. Consequently, fears of broader regional escalation increased.
Economic crisis fuels public anger
The protests began in Tehran after another sharp fall in the value of Iran’s currency, the rial. Initially, shopkeepers led the demonstrations. Soon after, university students joined, and unrest spread nationwide.
Many demonstrators have criticized Iran’s clerical leadership. Some have called for the end of Ayatollah Khamenei’s rule. Others have expressed support for restoring the monarchy.
Although the protests mark the largest unrest since 2022, they remain smaller than the uprising triggered by Mahsa Amini’s death in custody.
The government signals a mixed approach
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has said his government will listen to what he called the “legitimate demands” of protesters. However, judicial officials have taken a tougher stance.
Prosecutor-General Mohammad Movahedi-Azad warned that authorities would respond decisively to any attempt to disrupt national stability. As tensions remain high, pressure on protesters continues.
